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Artigo de Revisão

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2022)

Performance of the physiotherapist in the intensive care unit at COVID-19

DOI
https://doi.org/10.54257/2965-0585.v3.i1.2
Submitted
May 31, 2022
Published
2022-06-09

Abstract

Physiotherapy is a set of techniques that can prevent or recover the ventilatory function of patients with COVID-19
who evolve with the need for admission to intensive care units (ICU). The systemic dysfunction caused by the new
coronavirus, called SARS-CoV-2 and which causes the Covid-19 disease, often culminates in hypoxemic acute respira-toryfailure (ARI), which may progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In this context, it is essential
that Physiotherapists have knowledge about the indication of existing resources for patients undergoing spontane-
ousbreathing or mechanical ventilation in the ICU, and above all, that they are able to use them. To report the im-
portance of the role of physicaltherapists and to present the resources available for the assessment and treatment
of respiratory failure secondary to viral pneumonia presented by critically ill patients with Covid-19. This study was
carried out through a literature review that addresses the importance of the role of the Physiotherapy professional
in coping with the coronavirus in the ICU.In the ICU, the physiotherapist treats and prevents acute respiratory failu-
re, indicates and manages non-invasive and invasive mechanical ventilation, as well as the conduction of ventilatory
weaning. In the current pandemic caused by the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV2, the physical therapist has an impor-
tant role and acts in the front line in the fight against the disease.